Main menu

Victory Motorcycle Shift Ratchet Replacement

The Victory Motorcycle is a very well built piece of machinery. I have owned a Victory Kingpin since 2004. I have had no problems with the motorcycles and am very pleased with my motorcycle. This article will address the one issue I did have that is related to a failed shifter part. The dreaded Victory Shift ratchet.

One day while riding, I began experiencing downshifting problems my kingpin. It only happens from time to time and it feels like it is hanging up when i am trying to downshift. I have adjusted the clutch cable and changed the oil with no resolve. I am running full synthetic AMSOIL 20W50 motorcycle oil in the transmission and was thinking the oils was too thick for the clutch plates. After changing the oil to the Victory OEM multi-blend synthetic, the problem with shifting still existed.

I decided to take a few more test rides to diagnose the problem. I did notice that if i push the shift ratchet shaft in (has about 1/8 inch movement in and out) it seems to temporarily stop the problem. I went to the Victory Motorcycle Solutions community site and have read people talk about shift ratchet as being the culprit. after reading several posts on this information, I contacted my favorite Victory motorcycle dealership, Santa Rosa VeeTwin. They confirmed that I need to replace the shift ratchet. The reason being the rest spring fails over time.

The Victory dealership explained that Victory changed the ratchet somehow after 2000 due to hard shifting complaints. They also stated that they have seen more issues like this with those Victory riders with driver floorboards. The drivers with floor boards will typically do a lazy shift. Anyhow the ratchet will be worn on both ends, thus allowing the shifting to continue down and not engaging.

Being that I am handy with a wrench and always up for a challenge, I ordered the OEM replacement parts from Victory. I needed to get the shift ratchet and new transmission gaskets. I have the Victory Kingpin service manual but it did not explain exactly how to do this shift ratchet replacement. So I took my time and video taped everything.

The basics steps involved in doing this shift ratchet replacement is as follows:

1 – Drain all of the oil out of your Victory Motorcycle. Trust me, I did not do this and made a huge mess when I removed the transmission cover.

2 – Remove all of the transmission cover bolts.

3 – Now the hard part, pull of the transmission cover. Note the clutch magnet is very strong and will not want to give up the cover too easily. Pull straight out and watch your fingers.

4 – Once the cover is off and the remaining oil spills out, observer how the shift ratchet is positioned. Note this by taking a picture or video taping it. You will need to install the new shift ratchet in the same position with the star wheel engaged correctly.

5 – Do the replacement and not clean off the old transmission cover gasket and install the new one. This is a must to prevent leakage.

6 – Install the transmission cover. Again be mindful of the magnet, this will suck the cover right on and take off your finger if you are not paying attention.